As Interpack, the global packaging trade fair in Düsseldorf that comes around once every three years, approaches, a number of themes are starting to emerge.
Digitalisation and sustainability appear to be topping the list, closely followed by safety and flexibility – at least, according to manufacturer of packaging machinery and automation solutions Optima.
Optima, headquartered in Schwaebisch Hall, Germany, sees the future direction of packaging as headed towards ‘highly flexible, digitally optimized and resource-efficient machine and system solutions’, and the company’s presentation at Interpack will reflect this.
At Interpack, the company will be showcasing innovative concepts such as fully automated module and tool changes, cobots in action and the flexible configuration of machine functionalities. A machine platform developed for the cosmetic industry that can be individually configured to cover all customer requirements – from start-ups to global corporations will be on the booth.
A second machine exhibit will also demonstrate the flexibility of Optima’s machinery solutions: the Optima TB300 packaging system, consisting of a stacker and a packaging machine can process paper packaging as well as foil pouches made of PE material or biodegradable materials. The aspect of safety will be addressed in a world-first display of a safe and traceable filling process for baby milk powder products.
At Interpack 2020, Optima will also be presenting extensive enhancements in the field of digital applications, known as Smart Services. These will be provided on a central, user-friendly platform, making agile, digital working on machinery a reality.
In other ways, too, the topic of digitalisation will play a key role at Interpack, such as in the edge computing software solutions developed by the company, demonstrated with the help of numerous practical examples.
Optima will also be demonstrating the progress made in the area of sustainability, achieved with energy and media-optimised machines, effective use of material in design and assembly, an efficient utilisation of packaging, a high process accuracy and production efficiency and the development of sustainable packaging solutions. At Interpack, the company is presenting a packaging system consisting of a stacker and packaging machine that can use film and paper as packaging material. The company also offers systems that can run 100% paper packaging, packaging made of recycled plastic, bio-based and biodegradable plastics without compromising on design and product protection